Ceramic figure

Porcelain figure, Taoist Immortal, grimacing male figure (one of a set of eight comprising 38.829 to 38.836). Made in China. Reign of Kangxi.

Measurements:h: 11 1/2 in

Provenance:Henry Hirsch collection; his sale, Christie’s, 10-11 June 1931, lot 39, purchased by John Sparks Ltd., £504 (1/2 share of £252 with C.T. Loo), 8 figures, 38_829-836; from whom purchased by Sir William Burrell, 26 April 1933, £580; by whom gifted to the Corporation of the City of Glasgow, 1944.

Published sources
Christie, Manson & Woods, 10-11 June 1931, Catalogue of the important collection old English furniture, fine Chinese porcelain, French and Italian furniture and objects of art, formed by Henry Hirsch, Esq., lot 39.

Manuscript sources
John Sparks Ltd., Stock Book 1931 p.133, June 1931, stock no.2966: Set of 8 famille verte Immortals, lot 39, Henry Hirsch sale, Christie's June 1931, paid £504; Day Book 1931 p.58, 12 June 1931, records 1/2 share of £252 with C.T. Loo; Day Book 1933, p.213, 25 April 1933: '1 fine set of 8 Immortals Kanghsi'; sold with stock no. z.898 [‘1 fine damaged black green bird’] for £750.
Sir William Burrell, Purchase Book 1933, p.54: ‘Very fine set of the Eight Taoist Immortals decorated in brilliant fine colour enamels. Each one guaranteed of the Kanghsi period 1662-1723. From the Henry Hirsch Collection’.